The schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted in Pakistan, is yet to receive official approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The tournament, which will mark Pakistan’s first major ICC event since the 1996 World Cup, is planned for February and March next year. However, despite the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) preparations, the schedule has not been finalized, and the issue has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and administrators alike.
An ICC inspection team is expected to visit Pakistan soon to review the readiness of the host nation. This visit will include discussions about the tournament’s arrangements, though the specific agenda of the ICC team remains unclear. One key topic expected to be addressed is the tournament schedule, which has so far only seen a draft proposal from the PCB, still awaiting ICC approval.
PCB’s Proposed Schedule and Venues
According to reports from PTI, the PCB had shared a potential schedule for the Champions Trophy with the ICC and the cricket boards of participating nations several weeks ago. Under this proposal, the tournament would kick off on February 19, with the final set for March 9. The venues shortlisted by the PCB for the matches include Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, ensuring that the matches are held at Pakistan’s top cricket grounds.
While this draft schedule outlines a clear plan, the ICC has yet to sign off on it, with concerns still in play. One significant reason for this delay is the uncertainty regarding India’s participation.
India’s Participation Holds Key to Final Decision
The primary sticking point is whether the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Tensions between the two nations have impacted cricketing ties in recent years, and the final decision will rest on the Indian government’s approval for the team’s visit to Pakistan. In the draft schedule, Pakistan has suggested that India’s base will be in Lahore, where the team will play all its group stage and potential knockout matches. However, whether this proposal will become reality depends entirely on the Indian government’s stance, which could take time.
Jay Shah’s Role in Approving the Tournament
Another major factor in the delay is the potential involvement of Jay Shah, the current BCCI Secretary, and soon-to-be ICC Chairman. Shah will take over the role of ICC Chairman from December 1, 2024, and many believe that his position could influence the final approval of the Champions Trophy schedule. With Shah at the helm, there are speculations that the schedule may not be released until later in the year, possibly just weeks before the tournament kicks off, similar to the delayed announcement of the 2023 ODI World Cup schedule.
The Road Ahead
As cricket fans await the Champions Trophy, it’s evident that the tournament’s schedule remains in limbo for now. With the ICC team set to visit Pakistan soon and Jay Shah preparing to assume leadership of the ICC, all eyes are on the next few months to see when the tournament will officially get the green light. Until then, the excitement surrounding the return of a major ICC event to Pakistan continues to grow.
